Snodgrass Proud Of Fifty Years Of Clearwater Rodeo

Fifty years and numerous people have brought the annual Clearwater rodeo to life, especially Gene Snodgrass. With this marking the golden anniversary of Clearwater’s big rodeo, it was fitting that spectators be welcomed to the event by one of the rodeo’s biggest contributors.
 
The Gene Snodgrass Rodeo Arena was dedicated to Snodgrass after serving more than 35 years as the rodeo chairman.
 
“It was a complete surprise,” Snodgrass said with a laugh. “It was quite an honor.”
 
The rodeo began when Jim Tonniges, Larry Parker and Steve Patrias built posts out of willow trees and gathered woven fence from area farmers to start the rodeo in 1967. The rodeo grounds, once used as a race track, had a pit stop where the arena now sits. As time went on, the racetrack eventually fell away, but the Clearwater Rodeo remained strong.
 
“It turned into a nice little rodeo for a small community like this,” said Snodgrass.
 
Snodgrass started his rodeo career early when he decided to ride bulls in the eighth grade. His first rodeo was decades ago when his brother signed him up in Ewing. He was bucked off immediately.
 
“I didn’t think I would ever want to do that again, but I started back up,” Snodgrass said. “I rode until 1981 riding bulls.”
 
He continued his passion for the rodeo and he went on to judge rodeos, which he still continues to do today.
 
Clearwater has been a home to Snodgrass ever since 1972 when he decided to make farming and working on a feedlot his way of life. His passion for the rodeo atmosphere only grew stronger when he was elected to serve as the rodeo chairman after Tonniges passed the torch.
 
Snodgrass’s title entails everything from hiring contract personnel to taking care of the rodeo grounds. The heart of his job remains when he has the three biggest days of the year, the Clearwater Rodeo.
 
But, Snodgrass said he has lots of great help to get him through the busy weekend.
 
“The community has been behind us 100 percent every year,” he said.
 
With this marking 50 years, Snodgrass said more than 260 contestants from over five states will compete over the three days. He hinted at a special surprise during Saturday’s performance.
Those who were involved when the first rodeo began are also expected to make a special appearance to this year's rodeo. Many rodeo queens will return in a horse and wagon for an introduction into the rodeo, including Clearwater’s first rodeo queen.
 
What really remains true for the continuous dedication Snodgrass gives to the Clearwater Rodeo is what makes the hard work easy. A reward only given from the outcome of those three days of the year.
 
“When you fill the bleachers, that’s when it is rewarding,” said Snodgrass.

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